While things look different this year than in years prior, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family (whether in person or via zoom), and enjoy great food. Even though the size of this year’s gathering has likely shrunk, that’s not to say the celebration has to be anything less than exceptional. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that wine is always a good idea! To help you plan for your traditional feast, here are the best wines to pair with your Thanksgiving meal.
Top White Wines
Guigal Condrieu 2017, $49.98 (click here)
This rich viognier is from the E. Guigal winery located in the Rhône valley in France. While there are several vintages from which you can select your bottle, the 2017 is rated the best, with 2015 and 2018 coming in as close seconds.
This bottle is a bold, dry wine with a floral, perfume-y nose and bright, golden color, making it the perfect visual addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. Not to worry if you shy away from white wines due to acidity, because this is a rounder, buttery wine that you will love, regardless of your preference for reds.
Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2018, $38.15 (click here)
It’s no secret that rieslings are the perfect complement to turkey dinners, but this wine takes that pairing to the next level. This German riesling is from the Willi Schaefer winery and, again, there are numerous vintages from which you can select your wine. While the 2018 vintage is rated highly and is very affordable, splurging on the 2005, 2016, or 2019 vintages would also be worth your while.
This wine is lighter, as are most rieslings, and more dry than it is sweet. So if you’re not a fan of acidic white wines, you may want to steer clear of this one, as it’s brightly acidic. With this lovely wine, you’ll find earthy notes as well as hints of citrus and tree fruits.
The Top Red Wines
Stolpman Vineyards Love You Bunches Carbonic Sangiovese 2019, $22 (click here)
For the price, you’re not going to find a better red. The Stolpman Vineyards Californian sangiovese is highly popular amongst avid winos. Don’t worry about the vintage on this one—both the 2018 and 2019 releases rank extremely well.
The wine is slightly bold and tannic (which turkey will like), and will certainly fit the bill if you’re looking for a dry, acidic red. You’ll detect notes of red and black fruit, which should pair very well with your Thanksgiving meal, and the color will complement your cranberry sauce and assist in adding a pop of color to your festive table.
Leroy Bourgogne Rouge 2019, $64.99 (click here)
This classic, French pinot noir comes from the Leroy winery. The 2015 vintage is the best rated for the price; however, if you’d like to splurge on a great bottle of wine, look into the 2014 vintage.
This Burgundy red wine is slightly dry and acidic, though is far more smooth and less tannic than our other red recommendation. You’ll detect oaky notes that complement poultry well, as well as notes of red fruits that will add a level of vibrancy to your meal.
Turkey Day is approaching quickly, and while the pandemic likely changed what that looks like for you and your loved ones, it’s still an opportunity to share your appreciation of their love and support through a challenging year. Whether you’re prepping for one or more, pairing the right wine with your meal will now be as easy as drinking it!